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The planned reshuffle of the Majority leadership in Parliament has been temporarily suspended to allow for deeper consultations. This decision was made to ensure alignment with the legal framework of the new Standing Orders of Parliament.
Originally scheduled to be announced on Monday, the reshuffle was a key agenda item at the National Executive Committee and National Council meetings held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra.
According to sources, the current Majority Leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, is expected to be succeeded by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Majority Leader. While Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s ministerial role remains uncertain, he is likely to chair the NPP’s 2024 Manifesto Committee.
Frank Annoh Dompreh, the current Majority Chief Whip, is rumored to be stepping up as the new Deputy Majority Leader. This change would create an opening for Habib Iddrisu to become the new Majority Chief Whip.
The reshuffle also includes the potential appointment of either Patricia Appiagyei or Freda Prempeh as the new First Deputy Majority Chief Whip, following Lydia Seyram Alhassan’s nomination as Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation.
Furthermore, the role of Second Deputy Chief Whip is expected to be filled by Alex Tetteh Djornobuah, the Member of Parliament for Sefwi-Akontombra.
However, the reshuffle plans have been put on hold to allow for consultations with the Majority Caucus. This decision stems from the legal provisions of Ghana’s parliamentary procedure, particularly Order 6 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, which grants the Majority Caucus the power to designate the Majority Leader.
A meeting is being planned for either Wednesday or possibly Tuesday to discuss the proposed changes with the Majority caucus. This consultative requirement reflects a commitment to democratic principles and aligns with the new Standing Orders of Parliament.
While the NPP Constitution assigns the selection process to the National Council, recent revisions to the Standing Orders of Parliament have transferred this authority to the Majority and Minority Caucuses in Parliament. This has led to potential constitutional inconsistencies, which may require amendments to align party decisions with parliamentary procedures.
